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NPR Story

Italy Teeters As Berlusconi Refuses To Step Down

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi denied again that he was about to resign on Monday, an announcement that sent Italy's borrowing costs close to a level most analysts believe is unsustainable. Berlusconi is seen by many Italians as a major obstacle to Italy's escape from its current financial woes. He faces a number of difficult votes in parliament this week, but if forced to step down, he'll call new elections. However the opposition parties, and even some members of Berlusconi's own coalition, would prefer to see a new government of national unity to steer Italy through its present crisis. Guy Raz speaks with NPR's Sylvia Poggioli, who is reporting from Rome.